Watch the video below and it’s obvious that there was little agreement in the AutoGuide office about which of these two roadsters is the better car. Despite the MINI Roadster being the latest in a long line of two-seater sports cars from the land of the Redcoats, when it comes to the key qualities of style, fun and value, it’s obvious that the Japanese make a superior British roadster, even to the British.

SPORTS CAR LOOKS OR SPORTS CAR STYLE?

Starting with the design, the MX-5 is not off to a good start. While it may have a general shape that’s more in keeping with what a sportscar should be, there’s little else to recommend it. It’s lines convey little in the way of emotion and if the Miata’s reputation as a “chick car” wasn’t enough to keep the testosterone-endowed out of the driver’s seat, Mazda’s smiley face front bumper will.

The MINI on the other hand is fashion forward. In fact, it’s likely the brand’s design characteristics are far more important for the majority of owners than it’s fun-to-drive nature. One could easily bestow the “girls car” moniker upon it, though outfitted in Cooper S trim with some nice racing stripes and larger wheels helps give it a slightly more masculine appearance.

Switch over to the interior and the same themes carry forward, though with differing results. The MX-5 (a base Sport model in our test) is definitely simplistic. As a result, however, it’s incredibly easy to use with every button and switch where it should be.